It looks like Martin Zubimendi will be staying at Real Sociedad.
The Spain midfielder has been the subject of major speculation linking him with a move to Anfield.
With local journalists believing that it’s likely he’d move to England, it seemed like it was a matter of time before the deal was announced.
But it now looks like the Reds will need to look elsewhere.
Spanish reports have emerged that Real Sociedad midfielder has rejected a move to Liverpool.
Relevo, a Spanish news website, has just declared that the UEFA Euro 2024 winner has decided to stay at the Reale Arena.
This will be a big blow to the new hierarchy who seemed set to announce Zubimendi as the first signing under Arne Slot.
Jorge Picon, the journalist who shared the story, claims that Liverpool had everything ready for the midfielder.
Negotiations had apparently been taking place for two weeks, but the efforts from the club to keep the player have paid.
Despite Liverpool being willing to pay the £60m release clause, Martin Zubimendi clearly felt that he should remain loyal to his boyhood club.
Real Sociedad fans will be delighted as they’ll continue to see one of the best midfielders in Europe at their club.
Liverpool will now need to regroup as they look for another number 6.
It would be highly surprising if the hierarchy don’t already have alternatives in mind.
We might see some developments on that front in the coming days.
LFC fans will be hoping that is the case.
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